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Kitson out to end on a high

Dave Kitson has added incentive to help Oxford United finish in the play-offs as he looks to end his career on a high.

The former Reading striker signed a two-year deal with the U’s last summer, but is giving serious thought to hanging up his boots at the end of this campaign.

After being hampered by a hamstring problem which has limited the 34-year-old’s influence in recent weeks, Kitson returned to the starting line-up on Saturday, helping to inspire Gary Waddock’s men to a crucial 2-0 win at Plymouth Argyle.

It put United back into Sky Bet League Two’s top seven with four games remaining.

After suffering play-off defeat with Sheffield United against Yeovil last season, Kitson is determined to avoid a repeat this time around.

And while a final decision on his future has not been made, retirement could be just a few weeks away.

“I think I’m leaning towards calling it a day,” he said.

“I’m not really sure what else I have to do, once you go over the hill and start coming back down.

“It’s nice to win things. I was gutted not to win the play-offs with Sheffield United, I would be gutted if we don’t win anything or have success with Oxford United this season because I want to win.

“I’m a sportsperson, I want to win and it hurts me when I don’t win.

“There’s a bit of pride thrown into that, but I think at the end of the day there has to be a sense of there’s no point in killing yourself trying either.”

Kitson made his name as a striker with Reading, scoring 22 goals to help them win the Championship in 2006.

The veteran, who also played in the top flight for Stoke City, is content with what he has achieved in the game and is mindful of his quality of life post-football.

He said: “You have to look to the future.

“There are plenty of footballers I know that struggle to get out of bed in the morning and I don’t really want to be like that.

“I did what I wanted to do in the game, I got to the Premier League. That’s all I ever wanted to do.

“I never had any illusions about trying to win anything or play for my country, I just wanted to play in the Premier League at all those stadiums I saw on TV as a kid.

Comments

Hopefully there will be an Assistant Manager vacancy at the club at the end of the season that Dave could take up.

Hopefully there will be an Assistant Manager vacancy at the club at the end of the season that Dave could take up.AylesburyOx

Hopefully there will be an Assistant Manager vacancy at the club at the end of the season that Dave could take up.

Score: 0

BicesterBod
11:08am Tue 15 Apr 14

How about staying on at Oxford in a training or coaching role? I think Mr Kitson has the makings of a managerial career ahead of him.
Best of luck to him in whatever he chooses to do at the end of this season!

How about staying on at Oxford in a training or coaching role? I think Mr Kitson has the makings of a managerial career ahead of him.
Best of luck to him in whatever he chooses to do at the end of this season!BicesterBod

How about staying on at Oxford in a training or coaching role? I think Mr Kitson has the makings of a managerial career ahead of him.
Best of luck to him in whatever he chooses to do at the end of this season!

Score: 22

Doctor69
12:55pm Tue 15 Apr 14

We desperately need some one in a coaching role to help the forwards improve, maybe Big Dave is that man?

We desperately need some one in a coaching role to help the forwards improve, maybe Big Dave is that man?Doctor69

We desperately need some one in a coaching role to help the forwards improve, maybe Big Dave is that man?

Score: 18

87oufc
1:08pm Tue 15 Apr 14

Jeez, I only wish we had more players with Kitsons mentality. If this is his last season then It was an absolute honour to watch him play. I often wondered why he hadn't played for England and I've always said he's like the Brian Clough of football - one of the best players England never had.

In response to the first comment - I think he'd be an excellent coach/manager. Probably a little too good.

Jeez, I only wish we had more players with Kitsons mentality. If this is his last season then It was an absolute honour to watch him play. I often wondered why he hadn't played for England and I've always said he's like the Brian Clough of football - one of the best players England never had.
In response to the first comment - I think he'd be an excellent coach/manager. Probably a little too good.87oufc

Jeez, I only wish we had more players with Kitsons mentality. If this is his last season then It was an absolute honour to watch him play. I often wondered why he hadn't played for England and I've always said he's like the Brian Clough of football - one of the best players England never had.

In response to the first comment - I think he'd be an excellent coach/manager. Probably a little too good.

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